A real finals match.
And, in the end, Racing wins.
But it was hard !
For this 26th and last day of the regular phase of the Top 14, Racing 92 narrowly won (21-16) in its Paris La Défense Arena room against RC Toulon, threatening until the last second.
Les Ciel et Blanc narrowly qualified for the final phase.
They will travel next week to Bordeaux-Bègles in a play-off to secure a place in the semi-finals.
The twelfth qualification in a row for Racing, since its rise in the elite in 2009-2010.
Grabs, neck grabs, chambering to the stands where the Toulonnais, noisy and numerous, did not stop pushing their team, almost making people forget the great influx of sky and white supporters in Nanterre (22,148 spectators) .
And, on the ground, a fierce fight between two teams who play their skin and their qualification in the final phase.
In this little game, it is the RCT, which remains on 6 consecutive victories in the Top 14, which seems the most dashing at the start of the match.
Imhoff's life-saving essay
The Var center Duncan Paia'Aua, in particular, spoke the powder, receiving a kick to follow from Carbonel for the Toulon try in the first period, responding to that of Tanga on the Racing side (5-13, 25th ).
But also to cut out Racingman, like his two limit tackles on Antoine Gibert annihilating the trial actions of Ciel et Blanc.
Franck Azéma's team took the lead at the break (8-13) and the thrill of elimination ran through the spans of Paris La Défense Arena.
The return of the wisp Nolann Le Garrec, in place of Maxime Machenaud for his last home game before his departure to Bayonne (promoted to the Top 14 on Sunday), gives the Ile-de-France residents a boost.
And the exit 10 minutes of the Toulonnais captain Ollivon, warned at the hour of play, makes the Varois bend.
The eternal Juan Imhoff skillfully recovers a ball on the wing to finally put Racing in front of the score (21-16, 62nd).
Exhausted after their crazy comeback in the Top 14 and their lost Challenge Cup final against Lyon last week, the Toulonnais are suffering but remain within gunshot after the three failures at the foot of Le Garrec.
And offer a last scare to Racing fans on a final touch near the lines.
But the club of Jacky Lorenzetti holds its qualification.
One more.
Dots
Racing 92.
Two tries (Tanga 12th, Imhoff 62nd).
A transformation (Le Garrec 62nd).
Two penalties (Machenaud 28th, Gibert 47th; Le Garrec 54th)
RC Toulon.
A try (Paia'Aua 25th).
A transformation (Carbonel 25th).
Three penalties (Carbonel 5th, 9th, 51st).
A yellow card (Ollivon 60th).
